Freshwater crocodile

Crocodylus johnstoni

The narrow-snouted Freshwater Crocodile

Identification:

The freshwater crocodile is a narrow-snouted species that grows to 3 metres.

Distribution:

Far northern Australia. In Queensland, this species is usually found in western-flowing rivers that drain into the Gulf of Carpentaria. It also occurs in some eastern-flowing rivers on Cape York Peninsula where the headwaters are narrowly separated from western-flowing rivers.

Habitat:

Usually found in freshwater rivers and lagoons but will also enter brackish water.

Danger:

Inoffensive. Humans are occasionally bitten but such attacks are likely to be accidental, occurring in water with low visibility.

Food:

A broad range of crustaceans, fish reptiles, birds and small mammals.

Breeding:

Around 20 eggs are laid during the dry season in a hole dug into a sandbank.

For more information, please see the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management crocodile website.